Video jukebox apparatus and a method of playing music and music videos using a video jukebox apparatus

ABSTRACT

A digital jukebox allows for playback of a first offering and a second offering. The contents of each offering are individually licensed for public performance at a particular location where the jukebox is found. The jukebox displays advertisements that are selected in response to user interaction with the jukebox or a number of other factors. The jukebox features a screen that allows user to interact with the jukebox to select offerings, but also to respond to advertising. Jukebox can function in cooperation with a server, but in the alternate, can function as an independent and stand-alone device when connection to server is not available.

This Utility Patent Application claims the benefit as a continuation ofU.S. Utility patent application Ser. No. 16/240,975, filed on Jan. 7,2019, presently pending, which in turn claims priority to U.S. Utilitypatent application Ser. No. 14/689,680 filed on Apr. 17, 2015, issued asU.S. Pat. No. 10,194,116 on Jan. 29, 2019, which in turn claimed thebenefit as a continuation of U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No.13/659,334 filed on Oct. 24, 2012, presently registered as U.S. Pat. No.9,013,969 on Apr. 21, 2015, which in turn claimed priority as acontinuation of U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No. 11/540,918filed on Sep. 29, 2006, presently registered as U.S. Pat. No. 8,325,571on Dec. 4, 2012, which in turn claimed priority to U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 60/722,129 filed on Sep. 29, 2005, presentlyexpired. The contents of each of the application is hereby incorporatedby reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

Embodiments relate to a method and apparatus for a payment-triggeredaudiovisual display. Embodiments are directed in particular to a methodand apparatus for displaying music, videos and advertisements using ajukebox (a digital video jukebox for example).

2. Background of the Invention

Audiovisual reproduction systems are known and are generally found incafes or pubs. These systems are generally comprised of a soundreproduction machine, usually called a jukebox linked to a monitor whichdisplays video images or video clips. To do this, known jukeboxes areequipped with a compact video disk player and a compact video disklibrary and includes selection buttons (a touch screen or keypad forexample) used to locate the titles of pieces of music which areavailable. After payment of a fee the system automatically loads a diskin the player on which the selected piece is found. The desiredaudiovisual reproduction then starts. One example of such a system doesis disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,228,015.

Such known systems, although providing faithful and good qualityreproduction, nevertheless have a number of major defects, including thespace necessary for storing the library; consequently entailing largeand bulky systems. Likewise, these systems may use mechanical hardwarehaving high fault rates. Finally, it is unusual for all the pieces on adisk to be played regularly; some of the pieces are almost never played,but cannot be eliminated from the library.

Jukebox systems that do not use physical CDs are also known. U.S. Pat.No. 4,956,768 discloses a broadband server for transmitting music orimages formed by a main processor to a remotely located jukebox. Themain processor communicates by a DMA channel with a hard disk and outputcards, each controlled by a supplementary local processor which managesan alternative mode of access to two buffer memories A and B. Memory Ais used to deliver, for example, musical data to a user, while the otheris filled. Each of the output cards is connected to a consultationstation, which can be local and situated in the same vicinity as theserver or, alternatively, at a distance and connected by an audio orvideo communications network. The server receives data block-by-blockand ensures that the sample parities are correct and rejects a blockincluding more than two successive wrong samples.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,308,204 discloses a method for communication between acentral server and a computerized jukebox, which operates in aconference mode. This method includes sending a header before anytransaction, which includes the identity of the destination togetherwith the identity of the emitter, and the size of the packets. Aresponse is sent from the server in the form of a data packet, eachpacket sent by the server being encoded using the identification code ofthe jukebox software. The jukebox receives the data packet, decodes thepacket, simultaneously performs a check on the data received by the CRCmethod and sends an acknowledgment of receipt to the server indicatingthe accuracy of the information received, to allow it to prepare andsend another packet to the juke-box.

An additional example of a jukebox operating without the use of CD mediais found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,481,509. The jukebox in that patent includesmeans for recording customer performances on analog tape, which requiresconversion of digital music or video stored on the jukebox to analogsignals in order to allow their recording on analog tape.

However, none of the described jukeboxes discuss playing music, videosand advertisements simultaneously and in a plurality of formats. To theextent that previous patents include monitors that could be adapted todisplay advertisements, no means are indicated as to how to adapt theselection of advertisement to the music previously selected. Changes tomusic libraries contained in jukeboxes described by previous patentsrequire either (1) replacement of physical hard drive as in the jukeboxdescribed by U.S. Pat. No. 5,481,509 or alternatively (2) a connectionto a server as in U.S. Pat. No. 6,308,204. The invention disclosed inthis patent allows for updates to the jukebox music library without theneed for either physical drive replacements or a constant connection toa distribution network. Further, none of the previously describedjukeboxes describe means for playing digital content with individuallicensing restrictions nor do the previous jukeboxes allow forconnection of one or more add-on devices as described below.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to an apparatus, system and method forsimultaneously playing music, videos and advertisements. One embodimentof the apparatus comprises a central processor, a storage device, aperformance device, and a copy-control device. The central processor hasoperating software adapted to operate at least one device in theapparatus and selectively play the first and second offerings. Thestorage device communicates with at least the central processor and isadapted to store both the first and second offerings. The performancedevice communicates with at least the central processor, the datastorage device, and the copy-control device and is adapted to play boththe first and second offerings simultaneously if both are licensed forperformance at the particular location.

In at least one embodiment, the first and/or second offering comprisesone of an audio offering, a video offering and an audio-video offering.The first offering may comprise advertisements displayed in at least oneof a plurality of formats (a marquee format scrolling along a portion ofthe performance device, a full screen format without audio on the entireperformance device and/or a full screen format with audio on the entireperformance device. Embodiments are contemplated in which theperformance device comprises a video display (that may or may not haveat least one user interface) and at least one speaker. Embodiments arefurther contemplated in which the apparatus includes a DJ add-on device,a karaoke add-on device, and/or at least one slave jukebox, each ofwhich communicates with at least the central processor.

Yet another embodiment comprises a system for simultaneously playingfirst and second offerings, the network comprising at least a server anda video jukebox communicating with at least one said server. The servercomprises a server central processor having operating jukebox softwareand at least one storage device. The video jukebox apparatus comprises avideo jukebox central processor having jukebox operating software, thejukebox software adapted to operate at least one device in the videojukebox apparatus and selectively play the first and second offerings; avideo jukebox storage device communicating with at least the videojukebox central processor and adapted to store both the first and secondofferings; and a performance device communicating with at least thevideo jukebox central processor and the video jukebox storage device andadapted to play both the first and second offerings simultaneously.Within said system, the jukebox obtains new content from the server andthe jukebox verifies the license status of the content to ensure that itis fully licensed for performance, while the server obtains usage andother statistics from the individual jukebox.

Still another embodiment comprises a method of controlling a videojukebox adapted to display first and second offerings. In thisembodiment, the method comprises displaying the first offering in one ofa plurality of available formats and selecting the second offering froma plurality of second offerings. The first offering is displayedsimultaneously with the second offering, where each of the first andsecond offerings are displayed in one of a plurality of formats.

Embodiments are further contemplated in which the method comprisesdetermining if the offering is stored on the video jukebox. If theoffering is not stored on the jukebox, the method comprises downloadingthe offering (from the server for example).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The invention together with the above and other objects and advantageswill be best understood from the following detailed description of thedrawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts a schematic representation of a system including ajukebox for playing or performing music, videos and advertisements inaccordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 2 depicts a schematic representation of a system including ajukebox for playing or performing music, videos and advertisementssimilar to that of FIG. 1 in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 3 depicts a screen shot of the jukebox screen of FIGS. 1 and 2 inaccordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 4 depicts another screen shot of the jukebox video screen of FIGS.1 and 2 in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 5 depicts yet another screen shot of the jukebox video screen ofFIGS. 1 and 2 in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 6 depicts a schematic representation of a jukebox similar to thatof FIGS. 1 and 2 in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 7 depicts a schematic representation of a server similar to that ofFIGS. 1 and 2 in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 8 depicts a schematic representation of a DJ add-on device similarto that of FIG. 2 in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 9 depicts a schematic representation of a Karaoke add-on devicesimilar to that of FIG. 2 in accordance with one embodiment.

FIGS. 10A and 10B depict a high level flow chart illustrating one methodof playing music, videos and advertisements in accordance with oneembodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments are provided related to a video jukebox apparatus (a digitalvideo jukebox for example), and a system including a video jukeboxapparatus adapted to play advertisements, music videos and movie media(in an MPEG format for example) as well as music. The system andapparatus are adapted to add revenue opportunities with an innovativeadvertising system, and allow for remote control, monitoring, and avariety of configuration and customization options. Additionally thesystem and apparatus adds value by integrating other usefulmedia-related functions, such as a disc-jockey (DJ) and karaoke forexample, including allowing the addition of lower-cost ‘daughter’jukeboxes to a main jukebox at locations containing more than onejukebox, and by increasing media throughput, sales, and decreasingmaintenance by eliminating the physical media normally used injukeboxes. Embodiments load songs quicker and require less maintenancethan a standard jukebox due to how the songs/videos are stored.

One embodiment relates to a system for playing or performing music,videos (music videos for example) and advertisements. FIG. 1 depicts aschematic representation of one embodiment of a system, generallydesignated 10, for performing music, videos and advertisements. Theillustrated embodiment comprises a server 12 communicating with ajukebox 14 via a network or connection 16. It is contemplated that theserver 12 and jukebox 14 may be located proximate to each other (i.e.,in the same location where the server may be placed in a back room forexample) or remote from each other (i.e., the server 12 is located in acentral location for example). However, the jukebox 14 does not dependon the link to server 12 in order to make content available to customerfor playback. Instead, jukebox 14 functions as an independent andstand-alone device that makes available for performance its contents aslong as the contents are licensed for such performance. Therefore, thejukebox 14 will operate with its current library of licensed content ifthe connection to the server 16 is severed temporarily or evenpermanently removed. In one embodiment, the connection 16 may comprise adirect (i.e., a hardwired) connection, a connection through network, orsome wireless connection. Embodiments of the jukebox 14 are adapted toload songs and videos quicker and require less maintenance than knownstandard jukeboxes due to how the songs/videos are stored.

It is contemplated that, in at least one embodiment, the jukebox 14includes at least one user interface or video screen (two screens 18 and20 are illustrated although one video screen adapted to display aplurality of images simultaneously is also suitable) and a currencyacceptor 22. The jukebox 14 is adapted to provide music and videos(collectively, alternatively referred to as a “second offering”)advertisements, alternatively referred to as a “first offering” andincludes, marquee advertisements scrolling along the bottom of the videoscreen 18 while music or videos play. Silent graphic advertisements aredisplayed on the entire video screen 18 or 20 when only music plays.Audio-video and audio advertisements appear on the entire video screenwhen an idle search feature is performed to find songs/artists.Advertisements displayed appear on screen 18 or 20 are selected based onthe content being played back by the user. Certain advertisements arecoupled with some selections, such as an advertisement for a movie iscoupled with the selection of the soundtrack to the movie. Otheradvertisements are invoked to appear on screen 18 or 20 when aparticular genre of content is selected, such as an advertisement for anupcoming rock concert when that genre of music is selected. Also, sometypes of advertisements appear on screen 18 or 20 during different timesof the day, such as advertisements for dinner entrees at or arounddinnertime. During advertisements, users may be provided with the optionof entering information through a user interface that appears on screens18 and 20 to respond to the advertisement. Such response can includeentering of personal information in order to participate in a contest orproviding feedback about a particular commercial message. The responsescan be stored on the jukebox 14 or transmitted directly to the recipientwhen no connection to server 12 is available or communicated to theserver 12 when a connection to the server 12 is available.

The central server 12 allows the jukeboxes 14 to do the following:automatically download and install updated versions of the jukeboxsoftware; automatically download new music, videos and advertisements;automatically change blocked genre, artist and song settings; downloadoperator or patron requested music and video selections; download new“skins” for the user interface; and an update frequency that is operatorselectable. The server 12 is further adapted to allow the local operatorto: view tracking data from jukeboxes off-site; control jukebox settingsfrom off-site; force particular songs/videos to be stored locally fromoff-site; control advertisement settings from off-site; view error logsfrom off-site; receive alerts from off-site; configure which eventsgenerate an alert; configure how an alert is sent (vial email or pagefor example); receive alerts on critical errors; force particularsongs/videos to be removed from local storage; create arbitrarygroupings of jukeboxes, which allow all of the above to be performed onmultiple jukeboxes 14 at multiple (different) locations at once. Theserver 12 allows the vendor to do all of the above in addition toallowing the vendor to restrict the local operator's access to certainfunctions. These functions are suspended when server connection 16 isnot available, but are automatically restored when server connection 16returns to active status.

Turning now to FIG. 2, a schematic representation of a system or networkgenerally designated 110, including a video jukebox 114 for playing orperforming music, videos and advertisements similar to that of FIG. 1 isdepicted. In the illustrated embodiment, the jukebox 114 is coupled toand communicating with the server 112 via the network or connection 116and includes at least one user interface or video screen (depicted asscreens 118 and 120) and a currency acceptor 122. Two screens 118 and120 are illustrated although one video screen adapted to display aplurality of images simultaneously is contemplated. Jukebox 114 isadapted to provide music, music videos (second offering) andadvertisements (first offering) even in instances where networkconnection 116 is not available, allowing the jukebox to operate as anindependent and stand-alone device.

Various modes of advertising are provided, including, for example,marquee advertisements scrolling along the bottom of video screen 118while music or videos play. Alternatively silent graphic advertisementsdisplay on the entire video screen 118 while only music plays. Inanother mode video and audio advertisements appear on the entire videoscreen 118 while an idle search feature is conducted for songs/artists).

Additionally, the system 110 may include one or more of the following: aslave daughter/dumb terminal 124; a separate or stand-alone display ormonitor 126; a DJ add-on device or module 132; and/or a karaoke add-ondevice or module 134.

The operator/vendor can access the jukebox 114 (via a keypad or touchscreen interface) to schedule advertisement priorities and displayfrequency; block artists and songs by genre, artist, or individual song;track song play data (which songs are played, when they are played andhow often for example); and track sales data (gross sales and peak usagetimes for example). In at least one embodiment, the operator/vendor canaccess the jukebox 114 (using a wired or wireless control device forexample) to skip songs, control the volume, view/change jukeboxsettings, view tracking data and determine when the bill acceptor isnear capacity (using an alert for example).

The system or network 110 further may include one or more “DumbTerminal” or daughter jukeboxes 124 (only one daughter jukebox isillustrated, although more are contemplated), which stream song datafrom the central jukebox 114, thereby inexpensively accommodatingmultiple jukeboxes at a single location. In the illustrated embodiment,the daughter jukebox 124 is coupled to and communicates with the jukebox114 via connector 128 (hardwired or wireless) and includes at least oneuser interface or video screen (two screens 118 and 120 are illustratedalthough one video screen adapted to display a plurality of imagessimultaneously is contemplated) and currency acceptor 122. Jukebox 124is adapted to provide music, videos (second offering) and advertisements(first offering).

The network 110 further may include one or more displays or monitors 126(only one display is illustrated, although more are contemplated)adapted to stream or otherwise provide song data from the centraljukebox 114. In the illustrated embodiment, the display or monitor 126is coupled to and communicates with jukebox 114 via connection 130(hardwired or wireless) and includes at least one user interface orvideo screen 118 adapted to display a plurality of imagessimultaneously. Like the jukeboxes 114 or 124, display or monitor 126 isadapted to provide music, videos and advertisements. In at least oneembodiment, the display 126 may comprise wireless devices (PCs orhandheld devices able to communicate with the jukebox 114).

FIG. 2 also depicts a DJ add-on device or module 132 coupled to andcommunicating with jukebox 114 via connector 136 (hardwired orwireless). The illustrated add-on device 132 provides a DJ with accessto the jukebox 114 via a terminal (a hardwired or wireless terminal forexample), enabling the DJ to: control the song queue; song volume; use a“turntable” interface enabling him to run a plurality of music/videoselections (two for example) simultaneously, and fade between them. TheDJ add-on module or device 132 further allows the DJ to run custommessages (in the marquee advertisement section for example); selectsilent video ads to run (while playing music selections for example);use a PA system (a jukebox sound system for example); and enable the DJto import a prearranged play list, complete with volume and AB fadeinformation. In at least one embodiment, the DJ add-on device or module132 includes a graphic user interface (through screens 118 and 120 onjukeboxes 124 and 114, for example) allowing users or patrons to requestsongs and allows the jukebox bill acceptor 122 to accept and track tipmoney.

A karaoke add-on device or module 134 is illustrated coupled to andcommunicating with jukebox 114 via connector 138 (hardwired orwireless). In at least one embodiment, the device or module 134 includesat least one video monitor (similar to monitor or display 118 forexample), providing lyric output. The karaoke add-on device or module134 operates in a plurality of modes: a standard (i.e., non-karaoke)mode; a jukebox or pay to sing mode, enabling patrons to select akaraoke song; and a DJ mode in which the operator or vendor controlswhich karaoke songs to play and in which the customers or patrons usethe jukebox interface to browse the operator's selections. The device ormodule 134 enables the operator/vendor to control the microphone volume,song volume, and aggregate jukebox volume; switch the jukebox betweenstandard mode and the two karaoke modes. Embodiments further includeenabling recording and mixing audio; recording and mixing video; andburning a DVD or CD to sell to customers.

FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 depict screen images of the jukebox 14/114 illustratedin FIGS. 1 and 2 in accordance with one embodiment. As providedpreviously, the jukebox 14/114 includes at least one user interface orvideo screen 118 adapted to display a plurality of imagessimultaneously. In the illustrated embodiment, user interface or videoscreen 118 displays at least one “skin” 150 or visual display formatthat may be selected by the operator or vendor. In at least oneembodiment, the skin may be automatically updated or changed using theserver 10, or in instances where the jukebox operates without aconnection 16 to the server 10, the skin 150 can be changed at thejukebox 14/114 itself.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, skin 150 divides thevideo screen 118 into a plurality of video screen portions adapted todisplay a plurality of images. In the illustrated embodiment, the videoscreen portions may display the location name, owner name or informationon the currently playing song/artist (for example artist name, performerphotograph where available, and song titles as illustrated in FIG. 4).It should be appreciated that the skin is changeable depending on theuser/patron selection (i.e., the number of video portions may change asshown in FIGS. 3, 4, 5) in addition to being modifiable or updateableusing the server as provided previously. In one embodiment, the videoscreen includes a search feature 154 allowing users/patrons to findsongs/artists quickly (best viewed in FIG. 5); an alphabet slide barfeature 156 allowing users to quickly navigate through the selectionlist (best viewed in FIG. 4); a scroll bar 158 for scrolling throughdisplayed information (song titles for example as illustrated in FIG. 5for example) and a keypad 160 for inputting a song number directly, inaddition to providing information about the number of credits available.

FIG. 6 depicts a schematic representation of a jukebox 214 similar tothat depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2. It is contemplated that at least oneembodiment allows the jukebox 214 to: automatically download (from aserver for example) and install updated versions of the jukeboxsoftware; automatically download new music, videos and advertisements;automatically change blocked genre, artist and song settings; downloadoperator or customer requested music and video selections; download new“skins” for the user interface and provide operator selectable updatefrequency. It is further contemplated that the jukebox 214 allows anoperator to: view tracking data from jukeboxes off-site; control jukeboxsettings from an off-site or remote location; force local storage ofparticular songs/videos (second offerings) from an off-site or remotelocation; control advertisement (first offerings) settings fromoff-site; view error logs from an off-site or remote location; receivealerts from an off-site or remote location; configure which eventsgenerate an alert; configure how an alert is sent (for example viaemail, page, etc.); receive alerts on critical errors; force particularsongs/videos to be removed from local storage; and create arbitrarygroupings of jukeboxes, which allow all of the above to be performed onmultiple jukeboxes at multiple locations at once. In addition to all theabove, the jukebox 214 allows the vendor to restrict the localoperator's access to certain functions. However, the jukebox 214functions as a stand-alone and independent device when a connection tothe server is not present. During times of network connectivityinterruption, jukebox 214 displays those selections currently availablefor playback on jukebox 214. The operation of jukebox 214 is notinterrupted by the lack of connectivity through adaptor 256, nor is theend-user of jukebox 214 informed of the lack of connectivity.

In the depicted embodiment, the jukebox apparatus 214 having a housing240 comprises a general purpose computing device or CPU 242 (an Intel80x86 based PC for example) having one or more connectors or buses 244coupled thereto and communicating therewith. The jukebox includes one ormore random access data storage devices or modules 246 (a 250 Gigabytehard drive for example) coupled to a bus 244 and jukebox software oroperating instructions 248. In this embodiment, the software is depictedas a separate module, but it is contemplated that it may run on any ofthe devices or modules in the jukebox 214 (on CPU 242 for example). Inone embodiment, the software 248 comprises one or more jukebox preloadcontrol programs that enable changing the jukebox 214 settings andcommunicating with the server software (discussed below); a jukebox userinterface software; database storage software; and jukebox remotecontrol software (which may be installed on the jukebox or on theoperator/vendor control device as provided below), and the copy controldevice 249. It should be appreciated that, in at least one embodiment,the jukebox remote control software and jukebox user interface softwarecommunicate with at least each other using a communications protocol.The copy control device 249 contains a uniquely identifying sequencethat allows software 248 to verify the identity of the location at whichlocation the software 249 is currently operating. Jukebox controlsoftware 248 ensures that it is licensed to operate at that particularlocation, and that content to be played back is fully licensed forpublic performance at its current location. Information regarding thelocation where content can be played back is stored in encrypted form ina variety of formats along with the content itself on data storagedevice 246. The jukebox software 248 verifies that contents of datastorage 246 are available for playback at the particular location bydecrypting the copy protection information in the content found onstorage device 246 by providing the specific decryption algorithm forthe content found on storage 246 with the unique identifier found in thecopy control device 249. Jukebox software 248 can support a number ofcopy control decryption algorithms, including subscription baseddecryption algorithms or per-file decryption. If one of the decryptionalgorithms is no longer supported in the marketplace, it can be removedfrom the jukebox software 248 and contents of data storage 246 can beupdated with a new encryption algorithm.

Embodiments of the jukebox 214 may further include one or more of thefollowing devices or modules: a currency acceptor 222; user accessiblecontrol buttons 252; a video screen 218; a computer I/O controller 254;a computer communications adapter 256 (a network card for example); anaudio amplifier 258; a power supply 260; cooling fans 262; lights andother decorative devices 264; speakers 266; one or more video monitorsor displays; an external speaker system 268; a general purpose computingdevice 270; karaoke add-on software module 274, a recording device 276,DJ add-on software module 278, and a microphone 280, one or more ofwhich is illustrated communicating with the CPU 242 (via bus 244 forexample).

In this embodiment, the computer I/O controller 254 is illustratedcommunicating with the currency acceptor 222 and the user accessiblebuttons 252. The currency acceptor 222 accepts user/patron payments (abill or credit card acceptor for example). The user accessible controlbuttons 252 enable the patrons to search for music or artists and inputinformation, alone or in some combination with video screen 218 (using atouch screen for example). General purpose computing device 270 allowsthe operator/vendor to control the jukebox 214 using an operator/vendorcontrol device (using a general purpose computing device with wirelessor other network capabilities) having at least jukebox remote controlsoftware running thereon.

As provided previously, the system or network provides for connectingone or more “Dumb Terminal” or daughter jukeboxes to the jukebox (bestviewed in FIG. 2). The daughter jukebox includes at least one userinterface or video screen and currency acceptor. In at least oneembodiment, such daughter jukebox add-on module comprises a daughterjukebox add-on software module 272 installed on jukebox 214 (on CPU 242for example). Additionally, such daughter jukebox add-on module wouldcomprise jukebox user interface program (not shown) installed or runningon each daughter jukebox and daughter jukebox control add-on softwaremodule installed on the operator/vendor control device (not shown).Further, in at least one embodiment, the daughter jukebox add-onsoftware module 272, jukebox user interface program with daughterjukebox add-on module, and the daughter jukebox add-on control softwaremodule communicate with each other user a communications protocol, whilethe daughter jukebox add-on software module 272 communicates with thejukebox preload control program using a communications protocol, whichmay be the same or different protocol from any of those discussedpreviously.

Embodiments further include a central server coupled to andcommunicating with at least the jukebox through the communicationadapter 256, as provided previously. The server allows the jukeboxes to:automatically download and install updated versions of the jukeboxsoftware; automatically download new music, videos and advertisements;automatically change blocked genre, artist and song settings; downloadoperator or patron requested music and video selections; download new“skins” for the user interface; and operator selectable updatefrequency. The server is further adapted to allow the local operator to:view tracking data from jukeboxes off-site; control jukebox settingsfrom off-site; force particular songs/videos to be stored locally fromoff-site; control advertisement settings from off-site; view error logsfrom off-site; receive alerts from off-site; configure which eventsgenerate an alert; configure how an alert is sent (vial email or pagefor example); receive alerts on critical errors; force particularsongs/videos to be removed from local storage; create arbitrarygroupings of jukeboxes, which allow all of the above to be performed onmultiple jukeboxes at multiple different locations at once. The serverallows the vendor to do all of the above in addition to allowing thevendor to restrict the local operator's access to certain functions.

FIG. 7 provides a schematic representation of one embodiment of aserver, generally designated 312 adapted to communicate with any of thejukeboxes discussed previously. Server 312 comprises one or more generalpurpose CPU or computing devices 314. As illustrated, at least oneembodiment of CPU 314 comprises a storage device 316 (a random accessstorage device) and a communications adapter device 318 (a PC server orserver cluster for example) and a database storage device 320. FIG. 7further illustrates Jukebox Server software 322 as a separate module,but other embodiments are contemplated. One embodiment of the Jukeboxserver software module comprises web server software and a jukeboxserver software suite installed and running on CPU 314. It should beappreciated that, in at least one embodiment, the jukebox serversoftware suite and the jukebox preload control program communicate withat least each other using a communications protocol, which may be thesame or different protocol from that discussed previously. Communicationbetween various elements of server 312 takes place over one or moreconnectors or buses 344 coupled thereto and communicating therewith.

FIG. 8 depicts a schematic representation of a DJ add-on device ormodule, generally designated 410 similar to the device 132 (best viewedin FIG. 2) and adapted to be coupled to and communicate with a jukebox14/114 similar to that depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2. The illustrated add-ondevice 410 provides DJ access to the jukebox via a terminal (a hardwiredor wireless terminal for example), enabling the DJ to control the songqueue; song volume; use a “turntable” interface enabling the DJ to run aplurality of music/video selections (two for example) simultaneously,and fade between them. The DJ add-on module or device 410 further allowsthe DJ to run custom messages (in the marquee advertisement section forexample); select silent video ads to run (while playing music selectionsfor example); use a PA system (using the jukebox sound system forexample); and enable the DJ to import a prearranged play list, completewith volume and A/B fade information. In at least one embodiment, the DJadd-on device or module 410 includes a graphic user interface allowingusers or patrons to request songs and allows the jukebox bill acceptorto accept and track tip money. The elements of DJ add on device 410communicate through a number of connectors or busses 444 coupledthereto.

FIG. 8 depicts the DJ add-on device or module 410 comprising a generalpurpose computing device or CPU 412 (a PC or laptop for example) havinga communications adapter 414. The device or module further comprises DJsoftware or operating instructions, in this embodiment comprising a DJuser interface program 416 which may be installed and run on the CPU 412and DJ add-on software module 278 (best viewed in FIG. 6) which mayinstalled or operating on the jukebox. Additionally, the DJ add-ondevice may comprise a microphone 418 (similar to microphone 280illustrated in FIG. 2) coupled to and communicating with a CPU 412. Itshould be appreciated that, in at least one embodiment, the DJ userinterface program 416 and the DJ add-on software module 278 (best viewedin FIG. 6) communicate with at least each other using a communicationsprotocol, which may be similar to or different from any of the protocolsdiscussed previously.

FIG. 9 depicts a schematic representation of a karaoke add-on device ormodule, generally designated 510, similar to add-on device 134 depictedin FIG. 2. The karaoke add-on device or module 510 is illustratedcoupled to and communicating with one or more of the jukeboxes describedpreviously. In at least one embodiment, the device or module 510includes at least one video monitor (similar to monitor or display 118in FIG. 2 for example), providing lyric output. The karaoke add-ondevice or module 410 operates in a plurality of modes: a standard mode;a jukebox or pay to sing mode, enabling patrons to select a karaokesong; and a DJ mode, enabling the operator or vendor to control whichkaraoke songs to play and the customers or patrons use a jukeboxinterface to browse such selections. The device or module 510 enablesthe operator/vendor to control the microphone volume, song volume, andaggregate jukebox volume; switch the jukebox between standard mode andthe two karaoke modes. Embodiments further include enabling recordingand mixing audio, burning a CD to sell to customers; and recording andmixing video, burning a DVD or CD to sell to customers.

The illustrated karaoke add-on device 510 comprises a general purposecomputing device 512 having a communications adaptor 514. Embodiments ofthe CPU 512 further comprise a storage device 516 (a random accessstorage device for example) and a CD creation device 518 (a CD burnerfor example). The device 510 further may include a video recordingdevice 520 (a video recorder for example) having storage device 522 (asolid state video storage device or DVD burner for example). The karaokeadd-on device 510 communicates through the communications adaptor 514with copy control device 249 to ensure that any recordings made areallowed under the license of the specific content used to create thekaraoke presentation. It is contemplated that the karaoke add-on devicemay include software or operating instructions. In one embodiment,karaoke add-on software or operating instructions may comprise one ormore of the following: karaoke add-on software module 274 installed onthe jukebox (best viewed in FIG. 6); karaoke performance recordingsoftware program 524 installed on the recording device 520 or the CPU512; and karaoke control add-on software module that may be installed onthe operator/vendor control device for example (not shown). Further, inat least one embodiment, the karaoke performance recording softwareprogram 524 and the karaoke add-on software module 274 communicate withat least each other using a communications protocol, while the karaokecontrol add-on software module communicates with the karaoke add-onsoftware module 274 using a communications protocol, which may be thesame or different protocol from any of those discussed previously. Theelements of the karaoke add-on device communicate through a series ofconnections or busses 544.

FIGS. 10A and 10B depict a high level flow chart illustrating onemethod, generally designated 600, of controlling a video jukebox (adigital jukebox for example) adapted to display first and secondofferings. In at least one embodiment, the method 600 comprisesperforming a first offering, block 610, in one of a plurality ofavailable formats (a full screen advertisement with audio for example).The first offering comprises a selection from a plurality of availableofferings. Following the performance of the first offering, theembodiment further comprises selecting a second offering, block 612,from a plurality of available offerings. For both the first and secondoffering, available offerings are those that are already present andlicensed on the jukebox, or when a connection to the server is present,available offerings also includes those that can be obtained from theserver and placed on the jukebox with a license for playback.

Method 600 further comprises determining, diamond 614, if the selectedsecond offering is stored on the jukebox. If the selected secondoffering is stored on the jukebox, method 600 determines, diamond 620,if the second offering includes video, diamond 620.

If the second offering is not already stored on the jukebox, method 600further comprises downloading the selected second offering, block 616.The downloaded, selected second offering is stored (on the jukebox forexample), block 618. Method 600 then determines, diamond 620, if thestored, downloaded, selected second offering includes video (MPEG forexample).

If the second offering does not include video, method 600 plays theaudio only second offering, block 622. The method further comprisessimultaneously performing the first offering for the audio secondoffering (full screen advertisement without audio for example), block624. If the second offering includes video, method 600 plays theaudio-video second offering, block 626). The method further comprisessimultaneously performing the first offering for audio/video secondoffering (advertisement in a marquee format for example), block 628.

While the invention has been described with reference to certainembodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art thatvarious changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention. In addition, manymodifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material tothe teachings of the invention without departing from its scope.Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to theparticular embodiment disclosed, but that the invention will include allembodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

The embodiment of the invention in which an exclusive property orprivilege is claimed is defined as follows:
 1. An independent,stand-alone apparatus for simultaneously playing first and secondofferings, the apparatus comprising: a) a central processor havingoperating instructions, said instructions operate at least one device inthe apparatus and play at least a first offering; b) a storage devicecommunicating with at least said central processor and stores both thefirst offering and a potential second offering; c) a simultaneousperformance device communicating with at least said central processorand said data storage device wherein said performance device is adaptedto play both the first and second offerings simultaneously or only thefirst offering; and d) a rights management control device comprising aunique identifier wherein said rights management control devicecommunicates with the performance device and wherein the rightsmanagement device is verifies license status of presentations by saidperformance device and of software used on the said central processordevice and is adapted to ensure that the performance device is licensedto operate at that particular location and that content to be playedback is fully licensed for public performance at its current location;and wherein the first offering and the second offering each compriseaudiovisual materials.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein saidperformance device comprises a video display and at least one audioperformance device.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said videodisplay further includes at least one user interface.
 4. The apparatusof claim 3 wherein said first offering comprises advertisements, saidadvertisements are displayed on basis of said second selection, whereinin response to said advertisements the user interface providesopportunity for user-generated feedback.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1wherein said rights management control device comprises a uniquelyidentifiable hardware element and a software element which ensures thatboth first and second audio or video offering to be played back on theperformance device is licensed for performance by the said performancedevice.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a DJ add-ondevice communicating with at least said central processor.
 7. Theapparatus of claim 1 further comprising at least one controlledapparatus communicating with at least said central processor whereinsaid central processor controls said controlled apparatus.
 8. A systemfor playing first and second offerings, the system comprising: A) aserver comprising: 1) a server central processor having operatingplayback software; 2) at least one storage device; B) a media playbackapparatus communicating with at least said server, said apparatuscomprising: 1) a central processor having operating software, saidsoftware operates at least one device in said apparatus and selectivelyplay the first and second offerings; 2) a storage device communicatingwith at least said central processor and stores both the first andsecond offerings; 3) a performance device communicating with at leastsaid central processor and said storage device and plays both the firstand second offerings simultaneously; and 4) a rights management devicecommunicating with said performance device and said central processorwherein said rights management device wherein said rights managementdevice is adapted to confirm that content to be played back is fullylicensed for public performance at its current location; and wherein thefirst offering and the second offering each comprise audiovisualmaterials.
 9. The system of claim 8 wherein the apparatus communicateswith said server with no interruption of availability to apparatus evenin eventuality of lack of response from said server.
 10. The system ofclaim 8 wherein the first offering comprises one of an audio offering, avideo offering and an audio-video offering.
 11. The system of claim 10wherein said first offering comprises advertisement displayed in amarquee format scrolling along a portion of said performance device orin a full screen format on the entire performance device.
 12. The systemof claim 8 wherein the second offering comprises one of an audiooffering, a video offering and an audio-video offering.
 13. The systemof claim 12 comprising at least one display communicating with at leastsaid video apparatus displays the first and second offerings.
 14. Thesystem of claim 8 comprising at least one of a DJ add-on device, akaraoke add-on device and a controlled media playback apparatus devicecommunicating with said media playback apparatus functioning as acontrolling apparatus.